Hoek Modular Homes is proud to be recognised as the winner of the 2025 HIA Sunshine Coast & Wide Bay Specialised Housing Award for our work on the Crocodile Hunter Lodge Cabins, located within the iconic Australia Zoo.
This project stands as a tribute to Australian craftsmanship and environmental connection, built within the sanctuary founded by the late Steve Irwin, a landmark dedicated to wildlife conservation and education. Our design vision was to create accommodation that reflects the heart of Australia Zoo: authentic, sustainable, and deeply connected to the land.
Nestled amongst native bushland, each double-storey cabin at The Crocodile Hunter Lodge is designed to immerse guests in the landscape. Expansive glazing frames serene views of the surrounding forest, a 16-foot waterfall, and a freshwater habitat home to rescued crocodiles and endangered Mary River turtles.
Every detail of the cabin architecture encourages a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors, from private plunge pools to generous timber decks overlooking the billabong. Inside, guests are welcomed by the warmth of natural materials, two thoughtfully designed bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a luxurious stone bathroom with underfloor heating.
Behind every cabin is a story of technical precision and handcrafted artistry. The project was proudly built using Truecore® Steel, providing the strength and dimensional accuracy essential for modular construction in Queensland’s dynamic climate.
All structural steelwork and hardwood features were custom-fabricated in-house at our Lawnton facility, where craftsmanship meets innovation. Rough-sawn hardwood, prepared by our skilled team, was used extensively throughout, from feature walls and ceilings to decking and bespoke doors.
In a meaningful nod to the site’s heritage, several of these handcrafted doors were repurposed from Steve Irwin’s original crocodile grandstands, giving the new cabins a tangible link to the Zoo’s history and purpose.
The initial concept for the cabins was developed in collaboration with Marco Calvino of Calvino Design, whose early sketches helped shape the design direction presented to Australia Zoo. From there, Hoek’s in-house team carried the vision forward, undertaking the detailed design, engineering, and complete construction delivery.
This collaborative foundation resulted in a design that not only aligns with the natural surroundings but also showcases the capability of Hoek’s in-house expertise to bring concept to reality with precision and craftsmanship.
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) celebrates excellence in construction, design, and innovation across Australia, and this award underscores the quality and creativity that define the Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay region.
We extend our congratulations to fellow finalists Ausmar Homes and Saltair Modular, whose remarkable projects showcase the growing strength of Queensland’s modular housing sector. Together, we continue to advance sustainable and adaptable building practices that respond to both people and place.
Winning this award reinforces Hoek Modular Homes’ commitment to architecturally inspired modular living, homes that are as functional as they are beautiful, designed with environmental respect and built with enduring quality.
From concept to completion, our mission remains clear: to deliver liveable spaces that honour Australia’s natural landscape, celebrate its heritage, and redefine what’s possible in modern construction.
